blasen

Definition & meaning

The verb blasen primarily means "to blow." It describes the movement of air, whether caused by nature or by a person. There are several specific contexts in which this word is used:

1. Air movement: It refers to the wind blowing or a person exhaling air forcefully through their lips, such as when blowing out a candle or cooling down hot soup.
2. Music: It is used to describe playing a wind instrument, such as a trumpet, flute, or horn.
3. Glassmaking: In an industrial or artisanal context, it refers to the process of glassblowing (Glas blasen↗).
4. Physical sensation: It can describe the act of air being forced into or out of something, like an air mattress or a tire.
5. Vulgar usage: In a highly colloquial and sexual context, it is a slang term for performing oral sex (fellatio).

Grammar & Word origin

blasen is a strong (irregular) verb. Its principal parts are:

• Präsens: ich blase, du bläst, er/sie/es bläst
• Präteritum: ich blies
• Perfekt: hat geblasen

The word originates from the Old High German blāsan, which is related to the Middle High German blāsen. It shares a common Germanic root with the English word "blast" and "blatter." The root generally refers to the swelling or puffing out of cheeks to emit air.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• wehen↗: Used specifically for the wind blowing.
• pusten↗: A more colloquial term for blowing with the mouth, often with less force than "blasen."
• hauchen↗: To breathe very softly or to blow a gentle mist of breath.
• spielen↗: Used in the context of playing a musical instrument.

Antonyms:

• saugen↗: To suck; the opposite physical action of blowing air out.
• einatmen↗: To inhale or breathe in.
• schlucken↗: To swallow; often used as a conceptual opposite in various contexts.